Powerful wind gusts batter SoCal; power outages reported
LOS ANGELES - Southern California continues to be battered by extremely strong and damaging winds Sunday, bringing along a series of challenges for residents and travelers alike.
Mayor Karen Bass said that high winds overnight caused power outages in some Los Angeles neighborhoods. She added that LADWP crews were in the field working to restore power.
On Sunday night, Southern California Edison's website reported 16 outages in Los Angeles County affecting 1,170 customers.
Some rain fell over the Los Angeles County mountains overnight, and snow levels fell quickly late Saturday evening through Sunday morning to about 3,000 feet, according to the NWS. Forecasters predicted up to a few inches of snow in the northwestern LA County mountains.
The affected areas also include the crucial I-5 corridor, where significant travel disruptions and potential road closures are expected. Inland and wind-sheltered areas are likely to experience overnight lows at or below freezing throughout the weekend.
The weather service warned Southland residents to use extra caution when driving, especially in high-profile vehicles, and to secure outdoor objects.
Watches/Warnings/Advisories:
High Wind Warnings: In effect for Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, including the 5 Freeawy corridor.
High Wind Watch: Issued for valleys and foothills of Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties through Sunday. Gusts could reach up to 80 mph. The Malibu coast could experience gusts up to 60 mph, according to weather officials.
Wind Advisory: In effect now through Sunday 7 p.m. for coastal areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, with gusts up to 45 mph.
High Surf Advisory: Until 9 a.m. Monday for Santa Barbara County's west coast, with surf reaching 12-16 ft. Dangerous rip currents are anticipated, but coastal flooding is not likely.
Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for Sunday in the mountains of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Anticipated accumulation of 1-2 inches over 4,000 ft., accompanied by gusts up to 60 mph.
Weather Timeline:
Sunday: Rain and snow chances, mainly in north-facing mountain slopes, likely accumulating on the Tejon Pass. Possible minor coastal flooding in Ventura County, with strong damaging winds up to 80 mph down the 5 Freeway corridor.
Monday: Warmer, breezy, mostly sunny, and dry. Possible minor coastal flooding and high surf for Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Next Chance of Rain: Next Thursday and Friday.
City News Service contributed to this report.